Computer docking station for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A computer docking station for supporting and electrically coupling to a portable computer that has a docking connector includes a body having a support portion configured to support the portable computer, and a main connector moveable relative to the body between an engaged position in which the main connector is engageable with the docking connector, and a disengaged position. The computer docking station also includes a frame coupled to the body and the main connector. The frame is movable relative to the body between a first position, in which the main connector is in the disengaged position, and a second position, in which the main connector is in the engaged position. The computer docking station further includes a subframe coupled to the frame. The subframe is movable with the frame from the first position to the second position and is movable relative to the frame from the second position to a third position to inhibit movement of the main connector away from the engaged position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/031,775, filed Feb. 27, 2008, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to computer docking stations and, moreparticularly, to computer docking stations for use in vehicles.

It is becoming common to outfit some vehicles (e.g., squad cars, firetrucks, ambulances, or the like) with portable computers such as, forexample, laptops. Such computers allow drivers or other passengerswithin the vehicles to access information that was previouslyunavailable or difficult to retrieve. Typically, these vehicles arefitted with docking stations to which the computers may be securelyconnected or “docked” when in use.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a computer docking station for supporting andelectrically coupling to a portable computer that has a dockingconnector includes a body having a support portion configured to supportthe portable computer, and a main connector moveable relative to thebody between an engaged position in which the main connector isengageable with the docking connector and a disengaged position. Thecomputer docking station also includes a frame coupled to the body andthe main connector. The frame is movable relative to the body between afirst position, in which the main connector is in the disengagedposition, and a second position, in which the main connector is in theengaged position. The computer docking station further includes asubframe coupled to the frame. The subframe is movable with the framefrom the first position to the second position and is movable relativeto the frame from the second position to a third position to inhibitmovement of the main connector away from the engaged position.

In another embodiment, the computer docking station includes a bodyhaving a support portion that defines a support surface configured tosupport the portable computer, and a main connector moveably coupled tothe body for movement between an engaged position in which at least aportion of the main connector is positioned above the support surfaceand a disengaged position. The computer docking station also includes aframe coupled to the body and the main connector. The frame is movablerelative to the body between a first position, in which the mainconnector is in the disengaged position, and a second position, in whichthe main connector is in the engaged position. The computer dockingstation further includes an interlock having a first end portion coupledto the body and a second end portion substantially opposite the firstend portion and movable relative to the body. The second end portionengages the frame to inhibit movement of the frame from the firstposition to the second position. The interlock also includes aprojection extending through the support surface of the body. Theprojection is configured to be actuated by the portable computer whenthe portable computer is positioned on the support surface to move thesecond end portion out of engagement with the frame.

In yet another embodiment, the computer docking station includes a bodyhaving a support portion configured to support the portable computer,and a main connector moveable with respect to the body between anengaged position in which at least a portion of the main connector ispositioned above the support portion and a disengaged position. Thecomputer docking station also includes a frame coupled to the body andthe main connector. The frame is movable generally linearly relative tothe body between a first position, in which the main connector is in thedisengaged position, and a second position, in which the main connectoris in the engaged position. The frame defines a notch formed along anedge of the frame. The computer docking station further includes asubframe carried by and movable with the frame between the firstposition and the second position and movable generally linearly relativeto the frame from the second position to a third position, and a firstbiasing member coupled between the frame and the subframe. The subframeis moved from the second position to the third position against a biasof the first biasing member. The first biasing member biases the frametoward the subframe to resist movement of the main connector away fromthe engaged position when the subframe is in the third position. Thecomputer docking station also includes a second biasing member coupledbetween the body and the frame. The second biasing member biases theframe toward the first position. The first biasing member is stifferthan the second biasing member. The computer docking station furtherincludes an interlock having a first end portion coupled to the body anda second end portion substantially opposite the first end portion andmovable relative to the body. The second end portion fits within thenotch in the frame to inhibit movement of the frame from the firstposition to the second position. The interlock also includes aprojection extending through the support portion of the body. Theprojection is configured to be actuated by the portable computer whenthe portable computer is positioned on the support portion to move thesecond end portion out of the notch in the frame.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a docking station.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the docking station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the docking station taken alongsection line 5-5 of FIG. 3, and illustrating a handle in a firstrecessed position and a main connector in a disengaged position.

FIG. 6 is the cross-sectional view of the docking station of FIG. 5illustrating the handle in a second recessed position and the mainconnector in an engaged position.

FIG. 7 is the cross-sectional view of the docking station of FIG. 5illustrating the handle in an extended position and the main connectorin the engaged position.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the docking station takenalong section line 8-8 of FIG. 3 and illustrating a release button andlocking mechanism.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the release button and lockingmechanism of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 1illustrating an interlock in an engaged position.

FIG. 11 is the bottom perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 10illustrating the interlock in a disengaged position.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thefollowing drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and ofbeing practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is tobe understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are forthe purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a docking station 10 embodying the invention.The docking station 10 is mountable within a vehicle (e.g., a squad car,a fire truck, an ambulance, or the like) and supports a portablecomputer (e.g., a laptop or the like). In the illustrated embodiment,the docking station 10 can be mounted to the vehicle such that aportable computer connected to the docking station 10 is positionedbetween the driver's seat and the front passenger's seat. In otherembodiments, the docking station 10 may be mounted in other locations toposition the computer elsewhere in the vehicle.

The illustrated docking station 10 includes a body 14 having an uppersupport portion 18, a back portion 22, and a lower portion 26. In theillustrated embodiment, the support portion 18 is die cast as a singlepiece from a magnesium or aluminum based alloy, the back portion 22 isan injection molded component (e.g., of plastic), and the lower portion26 is fabricated as a single piece from sheet stock. In otherembodiments, the back portion 22 and/or the lower portion 26 may be diecast with the support portion 18 as a single piece or as separatepieces. In other embodiments, each of the portions 18, 22, 26 may beformed using entirely different materials and/or manufacturingtechniques.

The support portion 18 defines a generally flat top or support surface30, a front surface 34, and two side surfaces 38, 42. As shown in FIGS.1 and 3, a flange 46 extends upwardly from the top surface 30 proximateto the front surface 34 and two studs 50, 54 extend upwardly from thetop surface 30 proximate to the back portion 22. The flange 46 includesa lip 58 that fits over a front of the portable computer, while thestuds 50, 54 fit within corresponding holes or apertures in a bottom ofthe computer when the computer is positioned on the top surface 30. Theflange 46 and the studs 50, 54 engage the computer to reduce or inhibitshifting or sliding of the computer relative to the top surface 30. Theflange 46 and the studs 50, 54 also help properly align the portablecomputer on the support portion 18 for connecting or interfacing with amain docking connector 62. Two recesses or cut-out sections 66, 70 areformed in the support portion 18 between the top surface 30 and the sidesurfaces 38, 42 and provide spaces for a person's hands to grasp thesides of the computer when placing the computer on the support surface30 or lifting the computer off the support surface 30. As shown in FIG.1, four guides 72 are coupled to the body 14 along edges defined betweenthe top surface 30 and the side surfaces 38, 42 to also help positionand retain the computer on the support portion 18.

The back portion 22 is coupled (e.g., bolted and/or snap-fit) to thesupport portion 18 and extends upwardly from the top surface 30. Theillustrated back portion 22 defines a backstop for the portable computerto abut against such that the computer is retained between the backportion 22 and the flange 46. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the backportion 22 defines an opening 74 through which the main connector 62extends for connection with the computer, as further described below.

Referring also to FIGS. 5 to 7, the lower portion 26 is coupled (e.g.,screwed, bolted, or snap-fit) to the support portion 18. The lowerportion 26 generally fits within and is substantially surrounded orenveloped by the top surface 30, the front surface 34, and the sidesurfaces 38, 42 of the support portion 18. The lower portion 26 and thesupport portion 18 cooperate to define a chamber 82. The lower portion26 includes a rear compartment 86 that receives and houses a pluralityof peripheral connectors. A wall 87 of the lower portion 26 defines aplurality of apertures 88 that communicate with the rear compartment 86and provide access for coupling with the plurality of connectors. In theillustrated embodiment, the peripheral connectors (FIG. 2) include, forexample, a network jack 90, universal serial bus (USB) ports 94, serialports 98, and cable jacks 102. In other embodiments, fewer or moreand/or different peripheral connectors may be positioned within the rearcompartment 86 of the lower portion 26. In some embodiments, one or moreperipheral connectors may also be positioned on the front surface 34and/or the side surfaces 38, 42 of the support portion 18 for easieraccessibility. The peripheral connectors are electrically coupled to themain connector 62 to facilitate coupling peripheral components (e.g., apower supply, network connection, mouse, data stick, PDA, printer,camera, etc.) to the computer.

As shown in FIG. 2, a mounting apparatus 106 is coupled (e.g., screwedor bolted) to the body 14 for mounting the docking station 10 in thevehicle. The illustrated mounting apparatus 106 allows the dockingstation 10 to tilt and rotate relative to the vehicle. In theillustrated embodiment, the mounting apparatus 106 includes two supportbrackets 110, 114 that extend downwardly from the lower portion 26, atilt bracket 118 coupled to and extending between the support brackets110, 114, and a swivel 122 coupled to the tilt bracket 118. The supportbrackets 110, 114 are spaced apart from each other and are coupled tothe body 14 by extending fasteners 123 (e.g. screws) through aperturesdefined by the lower portion 26 and into threaded bores 124 (FIGS. 10and 11) defined by mounting bosses 125 (FIGS. 10 and 11) that dependfrom an inner surface 78 of the support portion 18. Ends 127 of themounting bosses 125 engage the lower portion 26 such that the mountingbosses 125 lend additional structural support to the central portion ofthe body 14. The tilt bracket 118 is positioned between the supportbrackets 110, 114 and includes two arcuate slots 126 (only one of whichis shown in FIGS. 4 to 6) defining a tilt travel path of the dockingstation 10. The illustrated swivel 122 is configured for coupling to astud or pedestal extending upwardly from the floor of the vehicle, aprotrusion extending outwardly from the dashboard, or a portion of acenter console, to mount the docking station 10 within the vehicle. Insome embodiments, the swivel 122 includes a bearing to facilitaterotation of the docking station 10 relative to the vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a rod 130 extends through the supportbrackets 110, 114 and the arcuate slots 126 of the tilt bracket 118. Aknob 134 is coupled to an end of the rod 130 to facilitate rotation ofthe rod 130. Rotating the knob 134 in one direction (e.g., clockwise inFIG. 2) draws the support brackets 110, 114 together, thereby tighteningthe support brackets 110, 114 about the tilt bracket 118 andsubstantially inhibiting tilting of the docking station 10 relative tothe vehicle. Rotating the knob 134 in the other direction (e.g.,counterclockwise in FIG. 2) allows the support brackets 110, 114 toseparate, thereby releasing the tilt bracket 118 and allowing a user totilt the docking station 10 relative to the vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in the illustrated construction the mainconnector 62 is positioned within the back portion 22 of the body 14 andis coupled to a frame 136 that extends through the chamber 82. Asubframe 140 is coupled to a front portion of the frame 136 and supportsa handle 144 for manually moving (e.g., linearly sliding) the mainconnector 62, the frame 136, and the subframe 140 relative to the body14. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 136 and the subframe 140are slidably mounted to the inside of the support portion 18 formovement within the chamber 82. The frame 136 defines elongated slots148 (FIGS. 10 and 11) that receive guide posts 152 extending from theinner surface 78 of the support portion 18. The slots 148 and the guideposts 152 cooperate to guide the frame 136 for substantially linearmovement with respect to the body 14. Fasteners 156 extend into theguide posts 152 to couple washers 160 between the frame 136 and thefasteners 156. Washers 164 are also positioned between the inner surface78 of the support portion 18 and the frame 136 to facilitate movement ofthe frame 136 relative to the body 14.

The subframe 140 defines a second set of elongated slots 168 (FIGS. 5-7)to movably couple the subframe 140 to the frame 136. The slots 168receive fasteners 172 (e.g., bolts) extending into corresponding guideposts 176 coupled to the frame 136. Washers 180, 184 are positionedbetween the fasteners 172 and the subframe 140 and between the subframe140 and the frame 136 to facilitate movement of the subframe 140relative to the frame 136, as further described below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the main connector 62 is coupled to theframe 136 so that the main connector 62 and the frame 136 move togetheras a single unit (i.e., the frame 136 does not move relative to the mainconnector 62). In other embodiments, the main connector 62 may becoupled to the frame 136 by, for example, a linkage, a geared or beltand pulley connection, a cam-follower arrangement, or any combination ofthese or other suitable connections so that the main connector 62 movesalong a desired path in response to movement of the frame 136. Theillustrated main connector 62 is connected to or in communication withthe peripheral connectors such that any input or device connected to thedocking station 10 via the peripheral connectors (e.g., the network jack90, universal serial bus (USB) ports 94, serial ports 98, and cablejacks 102) is also connected to a portable computer connected to thedocking station 10 via the main connector 62.

The main connector 62 is movable between a first, or disengaged,position (FIG. 5) and a second, or engaged, position (FIGS. 6 and 7). Asshown in FIG. 5, when in the disengaged position, the main connector 62is recessed within the back portion 22 such that the main connector 62is spaced away from a computer positioned on the support portion 18. Asshown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when in the engaged position, the main connector62 extends at least partially through the opening 74 and over thesupport portion 18 to connect or dock to a computer. Moving the frame136 forwardly (i.e., away from the back portion 22) from a firstposition (FIG. 5) to a second position (FIGS. 6 and 7) moves (e.g.,slides) the main connector 62 through the opening 74 from the disengagedposition to the engaged position. In the illustrated embodiment, twobiasing members 188 are coupled to tabs 192 formed on the frame 136 andposts 196 extending from the inner surface 78 of the support portion 18.The biasing members 188 bias the frame 136 toward the first positionand, thereby, bias the main connector 62 toward the disengaged position.In the illustrated construction, the biasing members 188 are coilsprings. In other constructions, the biasing members 188 may be othersuitable spring-type elements and/or the docking station 10 may includefewer or more biasing members.

The subframe 140 is supported and carried by the frame 136 such that thesubframe 140 moves with the frame 136 from the first position (FIG. 5)to the second position (FIG. 6). The subframe 140 is also movablerelative to the frame 136 to a third, or extended, position (FIG. 7). Asthe frame 136 approaches the second position (FIG. 6) when a portablecomputer is positioned on the support surface 30, the main connector 62engages and “bottoms out” in a corresponding receptacle in the portablecomputer, thereby limiting further movement of the frame 136 away fromthe back portion 22. The subframe 140 may then be moved (e.g., slid)relative to the frame 136 farther away from the back portion 22 to thethird or extended position of FIG. 7.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a biasing member 200 (e.g., a coil spring,etc.) is coupled between a boss 204 extending from the frame 136 and aboss 208 extending from the subframe 140 to bias the frame 136 and thesubframe 140 generally toward one another. The illustrated biasingmember 200 is generally stiffer (i.e., has a larger spring constant)than the combined stiffness of the biasing members 188 (or member 188 ifonly one biasing member 188 is used) such that, when the handle 144 isinitially pulled away from the back portion 22, the main connector 62,the frame 136, and the subframe 140 move away from the first positiontogether as a single unit. However, once the frame 136 is prevented frommoving beyond the second position (FIG. 6) (e.g., by bottoming out inthe receptacle of a portable computer), further pulling of the handle144 moves the subframe 140 against the bias of the biasing member 200 tothe third position (FIG. 7). This arrangement provides a more robustengagement between the main connector 62 and the portable computer byresisting movement of the main connector 62 away from the engagedposition. That is, when the subframe 140 is in the third position, thebiasing member 200 applies a biasing force to the frame 136 and the mainconnector 62 that biases the connector 62 into engagement with aportable computer, thereby reducing the likelihood that the connector 62will become disengaged from the portable computer as a result ofvibrations or other small movements. In addition, this arrangement cancompensate for manufacturing variability associated with the productionand assembly of the frame 136, the subframe 140, and the main connector62.

The handle 144 is coupled (e.g., via fasteners, adhesives, molding,etc.) to the subframe 140 to facilitate movement of the subframe 140,the frame 136, and the main connector 62. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,when the frame 136 and subframe 140 are in the first and secondpositions, the handle 144 is recessed relative to the front surface 34of the support portion 18. As shown in FIG. 7, when in the subframe ismoved to the third position, the handle 144 is substantially flush withthe front surface 34. Since the handle 144 is located within a peripheryof the support portion 18 when in the first and second positions, and isflush with the front surface 34 of the support portion 18 when in thethird, extended position, the number of components extending outwardlyfrom the docking station 10 is limited, reducing the possibility of auser or foreign object catching or snagging on the docking station 10.

In other embodiments, the frame 136 and the subframe 140 may bemanufactured as a single piece. In such embodiments, the main connector62, the frame/subframe, and the handle 144 may all move together betweena recessed position and an extended position to move the main connector62 into and out of engagement with a portable computer.

In still other embodiments, the main connector 62 may be configured toengage the underside of a portable computer positioned on the topsurface 30. In such cases, the support portion 18 defines an openingsimilar to the illustrated opening 74. When the frame 136 and thesubframe 140 are in the recessed position, the main connector 62 ispositioned within the support portion 18 and is not engaged with thecomputer. Moving the handle 144 forwardly to the second and thirdpositions moves the main connector 62 generally upwardly through theopening in the support portion 18 for engagement with the computer.Movement of the main connector 62 in a direction different from thedirection of movement of the handle 144 can be achieved using one ormore of the alternative coupling mechanisms discussed above, includinglinkages, geared or belt and pulley connections, and cam-followerarrangements, among others. Whether the main connector 62 extendsthrough an opening in the back portion 22 or the support portion 18depends at least partially upon the type of computer the docking station10 is configured to support. Some embodiments may include a pair of mainconnectors, one or both of which may extend through either the supportportion 18 or the back portion 22.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a releasebutton 212 extends from the front surface of the lower portion 26 andreleasably holds the subframe 140 in the third, or extended, position(FIG. 7). The release button 212 includes a projection 216, or cammember, that is received by a slot 220 in the subframe 140 when thesubframe 140 is in the third or extended position. As the subframe 140is moved forwardly toward the third position, the subframe rides overthe projection 216 until the projection 216 aligns with and snaps orotherwise extends into the slot 220, thereby locking the subframe 140 inthe third or extended position and also locking the frame 136 and themain connector 62 in the second and engaged positions, respectively.Actuating (e.g., pushing or depressing) the release button 212 lowersthe projection 216, thereby removing the projection 216 from the slot220 such that the subframe 140, the frame 136, and the main connector 62can return to a recessed position (i.e., the first position (FIG. 5))under the influence of the biasing members 188 and biasing member 200.The illustrated release button 212 also includes a locking mechanismsuch that a user may lock the release button 212 in place so that theprojection 216 cannot be moved out of the slot 220. Locking the releasebutton 212 also generally prohibits movement of the subframe 140 andframe 136 toward the first and second positions (FIGS. 5 and 6), whichwould in turn release the connector 62 from the back of the computer. Inthis regard, the computer is also substantially locked to the dockingstation 10. The locking mechanism generally helps prevent the portablecomputer connected to the docking station 10 from being unintentionallyreleased or stolen.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the docking station 10 also includes aninterlock 224 positioned within the chamber 82 to prevent the frame 136,and thereby the main connector 62 and the subframe 140, from moving awayfrom the retracted or disengaged position when a computer is notpositioned on the support portion 18. The illustrated interlock 224includes a leaf spring 228 having a first end portion 232 and a secondend portion 236. The first end portion 232 is coupled to the innersurface 78 of the support portion 18 with a fastener 240 (e.g., ascrew), although other suitable fastening means may also be employed. Abutton or projection 244 (FIG. 1) extends from the leaf spring 228through an opening 248 in the top surface 30 of the support portion 18.As shown in FIG. 10, when the frame 136 is in the first position, theleaf spring 228 biases the second end portion 236 into engagement with anotch 252 defined in an edge of the frame 136. In addition, the button244 extends upwardly through the opening 248 and projects above the topsurface 30. In this position, the interlock 224 inhibits the frame 136from sliding from the recessed position (FIGS. 5 and 10) to the extendedposition (FIGS. 6, 7, and 11). As shown in FIG. 11, when a portablecomputer is positioned on the top surface 30 of the support portion 18,the computer actuates (e.g., depresses or pushes) the button 244,thereby moving the button 244 and the second end portion 236 downwardly(e.g. toward the lower portion 26) against the bias of leaf spring 228.The second end portion 236 is thus moved to a disengaged position inwhich the second end portion 236 is clear of the notch 252 in the frame136, which in turn leaves the frame 136, the subframe 140, and the mainconnector 62 free to slide between the first, second, and thirdpositions without interference from the interlock 224. Thus, the mainconnector 62 cannot be moved to its engaged position unless the button244 is depressed, such as when a computer is placed on the top surface30 of the support portion 18.

To connect or “dock” a portable computer to the docking station 10, auser positions the computer on the top surface 30 of the support portion18 such that the studs 50, 54 are received within the correspondingapertures in the bottom of the computer and the lip 58 of the flange 46extends over the front of the computer. As the computer is positioned onthe top surface 30, the computer pushes the button 244 of the interlock224 downwardly relative to the top surface 30 such that the leaf spring228 is disengaged from the notch 252 in the frame 136. The user thenpulls the handle 144 away from the back portion 22, thereby moving theframe 136 and the subframe 140 from the first position (FIG. 5) to thesecond position (FIG. 6). The frame 136 likewise moves the mainconnector 62 to the engaged position so at least a portion of the mainconnector 62 extends through the opening 74 in the back portion 22 (asillustrated) or, alternatively, through an opening in the supportportion 18 (not illustrated) for engagement or interfacing with areceptacle in the back and/or underside of the computer. After the mainconnector 62 engages the computer, the user continues to pull the handle144 forwardly to move the subframe 140 relative to the frame 136 fromthe second position to the third, extended position (FIG. 7). When thesubframe 140 reaches the third position the handle 144 is generallyflush with the front surface 34, and the slot 220 in the subframe 140moves into alignment with the projection 216 of the release button 212,such that the projection 216 snaps into engagement with the slot 220 tosecure the subframe 140, the frame 136, and the main connector 62 inplace. If desired, the user may insert and turn a key within the lockingmechanism of the release button 212 to lock the computer to the dockingstation 10.

The user may rotate the docking station 10 about the swivel 122 of themounting apparatus 106 to change the orientation of the docking station10 and the computer. In addition, the user may rotate the knob 134 toseparate the support brackets 110, 114, thereby allowing adjustment ofthe tilt of the docking station 10 and the computer relative to thevehicle. The user may then retighten the knob 134 to secure the dockingstation 10 and the computer in the desired position.

To disconnect or “undock” the computer from the docking station 10, theuser pushes the release button 212 to move the projection 216 out of theslot 220 in the subframe 140. If the release button 212 is locked, theuser will first have to unlock the release button 212 with the key. Whenthe release button 212 is actuated, the biasing member 200 biases (i.e.,moves) the subframe 140 toward the frame 136 from the third position(FIG. 7) to the second position (FIG. 6). Similarly, the biasing members188 move the frame 136 and the subframe 140 from the second position(FIG. 6) to the first position (FIG. 5), and thereby move the mainconnector 62 from the engaged position to the disengaged position. Asthe frame 136, the subframe 140, and the main connector 62 move towardthe recessed and disengaged positions, the main connector 62 slides outof engagement with the portable computer such that the user may lift thecomputer away from the docking station 10.

The illustrated support portion 18 of the docking station 10 is die castfrom a magnesium or aluminum based alloy such that the docking station10 is easy to manufacture and assemble. In addition, die casting thesupport portion 18 gives the docking station 10 a robust design that isdurable and water resistant.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. A computer docking station for supporting and electrically couplingto a portable computer that includes a docking connector, the computerdocking station comprising: a body including a support portionconfigured to support the portable computer; a main connector moveablerelative to the body between an engaged position in which the mainconnector is engageable with the docking connector, and a disengagedposition; a frame coupled to the body and the main connector, the framemovable relative to the body between a first position, in which the mainconnector is in the disengaged position, and a second position, in whichthe main connector is in the engaged position; and a subframe coupled tothe frame, the subframe movable with the frame from the first positionto the second position and movable relative to the frame from the secondposition to a third position to inhibit movement of the main connectoraway from the engaged position.
 2. The computer docking station of claim1, further comprising a first biasing member having one end coupled tothe frame and an opposite end coupled to the subframe, wherein thesubframe is moved from the second position to the third position againsta bias of the first biasing member, and wherein the first biasing memberbiases the frame toward the subframe when the subframe is in the thirdposition.
 3. The computer docking station of claim 2, further comprisinga second biasing member having one end coupled to the body and anopposite end coupled to the frame, wherein the second biasing memberbiases the frame toward the first position.
 4. The computer dockingstation of claim 3, wherein the first biasing member is stiffer than thesecond biasing member.
 5. The computer docking station of claim 1,wherein the frame slides generally linearly relative to the body betweenthe first and second positions, and wherein the subframe slidesgenerally linearly relative to the body between the second and thirdpositions.
 6. The computer docking station of claim 5, wherein the bodyincludes a back portion extending upwardly from the support portion andat least partially defining an opening through which the main connectorextends when in the engaged position, wherein the support portiondefines a front surface located substantially opposite the back portion,and wherein the frame and the subframe slide toward the front surface asthe frame and the subframe move from the first position to the secondposition.
 7. The computer docking station of claim 1, wherein thesubframe includes a handle to facilitate movement of the frame and thesubframe between the first, second, and third positions.
 8. The computerdocking station of claim 7, wherein the body defines an outer surface,wherein the handle is recessed relative to the outer surface when thesubframe is in the first and second positions, and wherein the handle issubstantially flush with the outer surface when the subframe is in thethird position.
 9. The computer docking station of claim 1, furthercomprising a latching mechanism coupled to the body, wherein a portionof the latching mechanism engages the subframe upon movement of thesubframe to the third position to releasably hold the subframe in thethird position.
 10. The computer docking station of claim 1, wherein theframe is slidably coupled to the body, wherein the subframe is slidablycoupled to the frame, and wherein the frame carries the subframe. 11.The computer docking station of claim 1, further comprising an interlockhaving a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portionsubstantially opposite the first end portion and movable relative to thebody, wherein the second end portion engages the frame to inhibitmovement of the frame from the first position to the second position,and wherein the second end portion is moved out of engagement with theframe when the portable computer is positioned on the support surface.12. The computer docking station of claim 11, wherein the interlockincludes a leaf spring and a projection that extends through an openingin the support portion, and the frame includes an interlock cutout,wherein the second end portion is moveable into and out of engagementwith the interlock cutout in response to movement of the projectionthrough the opening, and wherein the second end portion is biased intoengagement with the interlock cutout.
 13. The computer docking stationof claim 1, wherein movement of the subframe to the third positionapplies a biasing force to the main connector tending to resist movementof the main connector away from the engaged position.
 14. A computerdocking station for supporting and electrically coupling to a portablecomputer, the computer docking station comprising: a body including asupport portion that defines a support surface configured to support theportable computer; a main connector moveably coupled to the body formovement between an engaged position in which at least a portion of themain connector is positioned above the support surface, and a disengagedposition; a frame coupled to the body and the main connector, the framemovable relative to the body between a first position, in which the mainconnector is in the disengaged position, and a second position, in whichthe main connector is in the engaged position; an interlock including afirst end portion coupled to the body, a second end portionsubstantially opposite the first end portion and movable relative to thebody, the second end portion engaging the frame to inhibit movement ofthe frame from the first position to the second position, and aprojection extending through the support surface of the body, theprojection configured to be actuated by the portable computer when theportable computer is positioned on the support surface to move thesecond end portion out of engagement with the frame; and a subframecoupled to the frame, wherein the subframe is movable with the framefrom the first position to the second position and is movable relativeto the frame from the second position to a third position to inhibitmovement of the main connector away from the engaged position.
 15. Thecomputer docking station of claim 14, further comprising: a firstbiasing member coupled between the frame and the subframe, the subframebeing moved from the second position to the third position against abias of the first biasing member, the first biasing member biasing theframe toward the subframe and resisting movement of the main connectoraway from the engaged position when the subframe is in the thirdposition, and a second biasing member coupled between the body and theframe, the second biasing member biasing the frame toward the firstposition, wherein the first biasing member is stiffer than the secondbiasing member.
 16. The computer docking station of claim 14, furthercomprising a latching mechanism coupled to the body, wherein a portionof the latching mechanism engages the subframe when the subframe ismoved to the tird position to releasably hold the subframe in the thirdposition.
 17. A computer docking station for supporting and electricallycoupling to a portable computer, the computer docking stationcomprising: a body including a support portion configured to support theportable computer; a main connector moveable with respect to the bodybetween an engaged position in which at least a portion of the mainconnector is positioned above the support portion, and a disengagedposition; a frame coupled to the body and the main connector, the framemovable generally linearly relative to the body between a firstposition, in which the main connector is in the disengaged position, anda second position, in which the main connector is in the engagedposition, the frame defining a notch formed along an edge of the frame;a subframe carried by and movable with the frame between the firstposition and the second position and movable generally linearly relativeto the frame from the second position to a third position; a firstbiasing member coupled between the frame and the subframe, the subframebeing moved from the second position to the third position against abias of the first biasing member, the first biasing member biasing theframe toward the subframe and resisting movement of the main connectoraway from the engaged position when the subframe is in the thirdposition; a second biasing member coupled between the body and theframe, the second biasing member biasing the frame toward the firstposition, the first biasing member being stiffer than the second biasingmember; and an interlock including a first end portion coupled to thebody, a second end portion substantially opposite the first end portionand movable relative to the body, the second end portion fitting withinthe notch in the frame to inhibit movement of the frame from the firstposition to the second position, and a projection extending through thesupport portion of the body, the projection configured to be actuated bythe portable computer when the portable computer is positioned on thesupport portion to move the second end portion out of the notch in theframe.
 18. The computer docking station of claim 17, wherein the bodyincludes a back portion extending upwardly from the support portion andat least partially defining an opening, wherein the support portiondefines a front surface located substantially opposite the back portion,and wherein the frame and the subframe slide toward the front surface asthe frame and the subframe move from the first position to the secondposition.
 19. The computer docking station of claim 17, wherein thesubframe includes a handle and the body defines an outer surface,wherein the handle is recessed relative to the outer surface when thesubframe is in the first and second positions, and wherein the handle issubstantially flush with the outer surface when the subframe is in thethird position.
 20. The computer docking station of claim 17, whereinthe interlock further includes a leaf spring having the first endportion and the second end portion, the leaf spring biasing the secondend portion into the notch in the frame, and a fastener coupling thefirst end portion of the leaf spring to the body.
 21. The computerdocking station of claim 17, further comprising a latching mechanismcoupled to the body, wherein a portion of the latching mechanism engagesthe subframe upon movement of the subframe to the third position toreleasably hold the subframe in the third position.
 22. The computerdocking station of claim 21, wherein the latching mechanism isreleasable and wherein upon release of the latching mechanism the firstbiasing member and the second biasing member cooperate to move thesubframe relative to the body and relative to the frame from the thirdposition to the first position, and the second biasing member moves theframe relative to the body from the second position to the firstposition.
 23. The computer docking station of claim 17, wherein thesubframe includes a handle for movement of the frame and the subframebetween the first position and the second position and for movement ofthe subframe relative to the frame to the third position, whereinmovement of the frame and the subframe from the first position to thesecond position using the handle overcomes a bias of the second biasingmember, and wherein movement of the subframe to the third position usingthe handle overcomes the bias of the first biasing member.